Love For Video Games: How Games Can Become A Calm Place

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For as long as I could remember, my love for video games has always been around. It has been a huge part of my life, helping me cope with my daily stresses and depression. And like for many others have been an escape from reality. In today’s society, video games are as much a part of our everyday lives as eating and drinking. From puzzles on our phones to fighting games on consoles, most of us spend a big part of our time playing them.

They are fun, entertaining and can take our minds off the troubles of the real world for hours. They are the escape needed after a long day of hard work at school or the office. Believe it or not, the right game could calm the mind, help ease the pressures of combating your mental state.

The Growing Love of Video Games

There are some who look at video games as nothing more than a form of entertainment for children. But what a lot of people don’t realize is that video games were never truly made for children. They were in fact created in the beginning to help adults relieve the stresses of everyday adulthood.

From Pong to the electronic pinball machines, games began as entertainment for stimulating the brain in a less stressful way. And as we evolved through the generations, games have as well. Today there are so many different genres (action, role-playing games (RPG), simulations, etc.) with thousands of games out there for just about everyone on the planet.

According to the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), over 164 million adults play video games in the United States. And three-quarters of all American households have one gamer at least. And in recent years, we’ve seen a surge in female gamers across all genres of gaming. We’ve also seen a surge in independent game developers who have taken games to a whole other level of gaming.

While some video games have their share of controversial moments, there are many others that have been viewed as a great tool for mental stimulation.

Puzzle and simulation games are prime examples of stimulating the mind. Puzzle games are built to challenge the mind to problem solve and routine building. While simulation games manage to bring out the time management and creative sides of the player.

Other games such as Call of Duty, Halo, etc., serve as a way to pass the time and socialize during their multiplayer sessions. Often times you can find a team of friends using team strategies to move their unit to eliminate their opponents and gain a win. It’s a fun way to test your team skills in a game environment.

Some Myths About Video Games

Unfortunately, there are still those who feel that playing video games could be damaging to the mental state of mind. And often than not, many of these beliefs are based on myths and rumors.

So here are some myths that I’ve come across when discussing video games with some who feel this way.

1. Video Games Cause More Violence in People

One of the oldest rebuttals thrown out there is that video games cause more violence in people. Games such as Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty to name a few, are often linked to the reason for mass school shootings when it’s learned that it was played by the shooter/s.

However, we have yet to find clear evidence that shows any form of video games causing aggression in those that play them for an extended period of time. It could be in most cases that the aggression has been there due to life situations rather than through games being played.

When you really take a look at the bigger picture, millions of people play games on a daily basis and we should ask the question, “Why is there not more violent aggression in those who play games extensively?”

2. Video Games Lead to Isolation

That’s quite the opposite. With today’s games now offering multiplayer, people are able to connect from all over the world without having to leave their homes. It acts as just another form of communication while enjoying some form of entertainment together.

Gone are the old fashion way of the telephone calls to get to know someone and here is the ability to build online relationships. Friendships, relationships, and even marriages have begun through sharing the same interest in a video game and sparking up a conversation over that in chats.

And while I was one of those who didn’t grasp the idea right away, I had managed to build a few connections through playing in Xbox parties.

3. They Can Be So Addictive

While this may be a truth for a few, the majority of people that play video games manage their time well. They use it strictly as a getaway and a form of entertainment. And while gaming could lead to long hours of gameplay, oftentimes those that play are able to put the controller down when fatigue or boredom sets in.

However, there are the rare occasions of others investing their entire lives into games such as War of Worldcraft, League of Legends, and others. Games such as these offer endless hours of gameplay that could entice you to play for days. The love of video games can quickly turn into a form of addiction.

It is always important to set some form of boundaries when it comes to these games and form a healthy relationship between you and your time playing.

How Playing Games Can Become A Calming Place

So now that we have a little history, you’re probably curious how guiding a little man up a hill to kill his enemy could be a calming place.

Today’s world has become more stressful to handle than our parents or grandparents’ world. We are faced with the stresses of wanting changes in our political, racial, and financial standpoints. Top that with the stresses of our physical and mental well being and we find ourselves surrounded by the pitfalls that lead to cognitive fatigue.

We think of games as pure entertainment but in fact play games provide a variety of calming factors.

• Releases dopamine (a release of pleasure)
• Gives your brain a mental break from challenges and obstacles in life
• Serves as a social environment for like-minded individuals
• Allows you to express freedom from the stresses of the world
• You allow yourself to enter into a different world
• Ability to use your creative side
• allows for another source of a stress reliever

While playing video games should not be your only form of stress reliever, there’s nothing wrong with allowing it to be an escape.

How to Manage Your First Video Game Experience

With work, chores, schoolwork, and more occupying your daily routine, those who play video games always manage to find time to play. Whether it’s on the train ride to work or downtime at home, we take that time to grab a comfy chair, get into position, and free our minds.

Some even go as far as to designate an area within the home for all their gaming needs. This becomes their stress-free zone. It becomes a place of calmness that they could look forward to on those rough days out in the real world.

While gaming serves as fun and relaxation for both the body and mind, there are a few things to keep in mind when making this a calming place for yourself.

1. Designate a comfortable place for you

Find a spot in your home that is comfortable for you, that doesn’t remind you of any stresses of the home or outside. Something like an empty bedroom, den, basement, or even the garage and attic could be a nice getaway place. And if you have no room to spare, the living room could also be a good choice. While the bedroom may seem like a comfortable spot, it could be a distraction from sleeping.

2. Learn to Know When to Call It Quits

Games can be time-consuming in a fun way. Before you know it, six hours have passed because your mind was so engaged with playing. This is perfectly fine to experience because you are finding yourself having a good time interacting. You are stimulating the mind in a more positive way, leaving behind the things that were frustrating or stressing you.

But like all fun, all good things much come to an end. Make it a habit to learn when to call it quits for the night. If your body is showing signs of fatigue, it may be time to turn in for the night. Even our love for video games needs to sleep. Remember that tomorrow is always another day.

3. Find what suits you best

The great thing about playing games as a way to relieve stress is that there is a game out there for everyone. However, not every game may be right for you. Entertainment Software Association is a good source that provides information on giving a better understanding of the game rating system (ESA), the industry, and more. A great tool for parents to utilize for their children’s gaming as well.

Take a look at what’s out there and find a game suitable for your psyche. You may be a casual gamer that would like to play simpler games. Or maybe you are a hardcore gamer and need something a little more intense. Whatever your level of gaming is, there are games out there to help ease your stresses and stimulate the mind.

4. It’s okay to have a gaming schedule

For the most part, if you are a mobile player then scheduling could be hard to plan because it’s on the go. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Just know that it’s okay to set up scheduled times to enjoy gaming on mobile and console. There are no rules on when to play video games. A designated time could be part of your comfort zone. Find a time that works best for you if you have a steady daily routine.

5. Allow yourself to experience more than one game

Sometimes we get so wrapped up in one game that it could become stale. And with a stale feeling, your stress levels could start to form again. By having a variety of games in your gaming library, you could spread that fun. Spend some time with your favorite game but be sure to put it down for a period of time to try something new. That way, your favorite game doesn’t become another form of frustration.

Conclusion

So my love for video games began at an early age to help me cope with my days of being bullied. And that love for video games continues to this day, allowing me to relax my mind in a less stressful way. Video games oftentimes get a bad wrap but in reality, they allow us to experience different worlds, challenge our minds and connect us with others. And I don’t know about you but I’d take those over the stresses of life any day.

So are you willing to try playing a game today? If so, what game takes you away from your stresses? Feel free to comment below.

Until next time, this is Tammy say keep strong, keep positive and NOTHING is impossible!!!